A Nevada radio amateur is among 12 new members appointed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Advisory Council (NAC). FEMA announced the appointments by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, this week. New NAC member Chris Smith, W4HMV, of Sparks, Nevada, was one of the speakers at this year’s ARRL Nevada Section Convention.

“FEMA is just one part of our nation’s emergency management team,” Fugate said in a statement. “The National Advisory Council serves a vital role in guiding our plans and strategies by ensuring we remain informed by diverse viewpoints and experiences from every sector of society. I value the expertise and input of each of these members, and appreciate their dedication and commitment to ensuring effective emergency management.”

Chris Smith comes from an Amateur Radio family. His father is Bill Smith, W7HMV, an ARRL Life Member and Emergency Coordinator for Clark County Nevada.

The NAC, which can include up to 35 members, provides recommendations to the FEMA Administrator on a variety of emergency management issues. “For example,” a FEMA news release said, “the NAC recently made recommendations regarding regional response and recovery capabilities as well as regarding mutual aid agreements among different units of government.”